In the last 11 years Guwahati has developed, but because of political and bureaucratic tussles the development or growth has been slow and unplanned
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As GPlus completes 11 years of publication, the changes Guwahati has witnessed are worth mentioning. Over the past decade, the city has grown 360 degrees, from infrastructure to education, healthcare, industries, population, and also crime.
In 2013, when GPlus began publication, Guwahati had fewer flyovers, smaller roads, fewer foot overbridges, no police commissionerate, fewer dividers, parks, smart city projects, street vendors, and no Brahmaputra riverfront beautification project. After 11 years, the city boasts many flyovers, foot overbridges, renovated and new parks, various beautification projects, smart city projects, widened roads, delimited wards, sub-districts, a ropeway, and numerous development projects transforming the city's landscape.
However, are these developments on par with national changes?
An IAS officer, who has worked in Guwahati and now serves in another state, shared his insights with GPlus on condition of anonymity. "No doubt Guwahati is changing and developing, and it will further develop, but political and bureaucratic struggles have slowed growth," he said. Guwahati was among the first cities selected as a smart city, but the Union Ministry of Urban Development's evaluations have consistently rated it poorly in implementing smart city projects.
He stated that although Guwahati was selected as an upcoming smart city in 2016, no significant work began until 2021. Only a special purpose vehicle was formed, and detailed project reports were made, but actual smart city work started after 2021. "It was due to political and bureaucratic tussles that the smart city project was not properly utilised, and after April 2023, the Guwahati Smart City Ltd (GSCL) stopped receiving funds from the Centre," said the official.
He pointed out that Guwahati is the only smart city body that floated tenders for acquiring buses from dealers, whereas usually, only manufacturers are invited nationally. The GSCL initially floated a tender for manufacturers only but later cancelled it and floated a new tender inviting proposals from both bus manufacturers and dealers, awarding the tender to a dealer.
Regarding the water supply project, the officer said, "Many times, the project work was stalled because the close associate of the concerned minister failed to qualify in the bidding process." This delay has raised concerns about the project's completion.
City-based architect and Architect Association, Assam member, Ranel Das told GPlus, "Guwahati follows the Assamese proverb, 'Nai mumai't ke kona mumai'e bhaal'." He noted that some facilities are still lacking. Residents are satisfied with what they have. "Public participation is essential for any developmental project. Authorities should consider public views since infrastructure belongs to the public. The thought itself is positive, but the outcome often ends negatively due to inadequate background research and minimal scientific study." There is minimal scientific study on any project hence it ends up as a failure, Das said.
Das cited flyovers as an example, which deteriorate quickly despite being designed to withstand vehicles' weight. "I appreciate efforts to connect North Guwahati, improving traffic scenarios. Similarly, facilities like the wholesale vegetable market should be decentralised and branched out, reducing costs and increasing profits."
However, Das criticised the highway construction's lack of planning. "Due to crossings throughout the highway connecting Khanapara and Jalukbari, the flyover project was introduced, consuming significant time and money. Earlier, pipes were laid beneath roads, but there's no update. Are authorities imitating Harappan Civilization remains?" Das questioned.
Das warned that Dighalipukhuri will be destroyed by the upcoming flyover. Authorities prioritise car users over pedestrians, neglecting balance and accountability.
Ajoy Kumar Dutta, a city-based social activist and former legislator from Guwahati, told GPlus, "Crores have been spent on Guwahati's smart city project. Without underground drainage and sewerage systems, Guwahati can never become a smart city." Dutta challenged any chief engineer to confidently explain where drain water flows.
Dutta criticised flyover construction, saying, "Nothing is planned; I wonder if decisions are made for public benefit or individual gain." Proper planning is essential before initiating developmental projects.
Guwahati's urban development faces obstacles as its masterplan encounters setbacks. The initial blueprint (2009-2025) aimed for 55% public mass transport, translating to around 12 lakh daily trips on the proposed Public Mass Transport (PMT) system. The plan included Medium Capacity Transit System development and three Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) or Light Rail Transit System (LRTS) corridors.
According to a senior Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) official, some projects have been successfully implemented, while others remain pending. Notably, flyovers were not part of the original plan.
A source in Dispur said that Guwahati is witnessing development and it is positive, but the development is slow and unplanned. “Once the politicians stop favouring the close aides and bureaucrats stop working only to please the politicians the development will be fast and planned.” The source said Guwahati does not have a proper drainage master plan and therefore waterlogging was a major issue 11 years back and continues even today.
First there should be proper drainage system, sewerage system, water supply project, proper roads, traffic management system, flyovers, proper public transportation, less traffic congestion and then only it can be claimed Guwahati is developed, said the Dispur source who used to work in erstwhile GDD department for a long time.
The crime scenario has also changed. Though the police claim that less cases are being registered but it also needs to be mentioned that 11 years back all cases used to be registered and now only a few cases are registered and maximum are just entered in the general diary.
In 11 years Guwahati has developed and ‘grown’ but not in a planned manner.